Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jisung hasn't even been awake for a full hour, and already, today is up there as one of his worst days ever.

Appa Minho hadn't woken him up, meaning that Jisung had missed out on some special weekend pancakes. Seungmin had gobbled down Jisung's portion.

Of course, when confronted, the other little innocently smiled and said he hadn't realised, but Jisung knew he was lying. Seungmin was getting payback from yesterday.

It's so unfair. Jisung didn't think Minnie would get so upset over him painting on his picture. It wasn't like he'd said Seungmin's painting of the calm ocean and peaceful, cloudy sky was bad...just that it would look so much cooler with an enormous kraken wreaking havoc amongst the waves.

Seungmin had screamed as if somebody had physically hurt him, and of course went running straight to Minho, who gave Jisung a very stern talking to before placing him in the corner. All of his daddies gave Seungmin cuddles and kisses, with Daddy Hyunjin promising Seungmin the two of them would paint together at the beach soon.

Not Jisung, though. He just got asked if he'd learned his lesson after his time-out before being sent to his toy box with a pat to the bottom by Appa Changbin. He did apologise to Seungmin afterwards, but the other little turned away, telling Jisung he wasn't, in-fact, forgiven.

And that's how it started. The pancakes being eaten was just the first step.

"Jisung, you can have cereal, okay? I'm sorry I didn't realise Minnie was eating them, but I'm not making anymore," Minho says as he dabs away chocolate sauce around Felix's lips.

"Cereal's boring," Jisung grumbles, and then glares at Seungmin, who's hiding a smirk behind his hand. "You ate my pancakes on purpose!"

"Excuse me," Daddy Chan chides. "We don't speak to people like that, do we?"

"But-"

Chan's raised eyebrows told Jisung it was best to just drop it. With a huff, he apologises, emphasising that he's apologising to Daddy and not to silly Seungmin.

He stomps into the living room, wondering if he'll find solace in Hyunjin, however the caregiver doesn't look like he's in any sort of mood for a conversation.

Jeongin's splayed across Hyunjin's long legs, face scrunched up as he wails out babbled protests. Hyunjin's got both of the youngest little's ankles in one hand, wipes in the other, but he's clearly having trouble holding on with Jeongin's fierce kicking. 

Jisung winces, remembering when Jeongin had managed to give Changbin a black eye once during a change. He doesn't understand why Jeongin kicks so much during his quiet time and diaper changes, yet when Jisung tries to get the baby to play soccer, Jeongin just stares at the ball and rolls it with his hand...it doesn't make sense!

"Shush, Innie. Daddy's only trying to help!" Jisung shouts over the baby's screaming. He's such a good helper, he thinks.

But Daddy doesn't appreciate the support. "No shouting, Jisung. My head is about to burst," Hyunjin snaps, managing to clean Jeongin up. His voice is much softer when he addresses Jeongin, murmuring: "Daddy's almost finished, baby, I promise. I know, I know."

Jisung pulls back, a lump in his throat at the unfairness of the situation. Jeongin was the one who was screaming and fussing, yet Jisung got shouted at for trying to help?

The first thing that pops into his head is that he should run to Seungmin and rant about the unfairness of it all...but then he remembers that Seungmin's being a meanie too. Just great.

"Not having the best morning, are we?" Changbin's soft voice is like a warm hug for Jisung. Finally, someone can see how he's feeling.

But when he turns around, Appa isn't looking at him, but at Daddy. Changbin barely spares Jisung a glance as he walks past him and sits down next to Hyunjin.

"He barely slept last night. I did everything I could...fed him, changed his pajamas, did skin to skin. He was pretty dry throughout the night too! But the few hours of sleep he's had haven't done much, clearly," Hyunjin sighs, massaging his temples.

Changbin pulls Hyunjin close and kisses his forehead, before taking Jeongin into his arms. The baby isn't crying anymore, but he's still sniffling and whimpering.

"Hmm, what are we going to do with you, you little troublemaker?" Changbin chuckles, and Jisung stares at the scene in envy - why couldn't his daddies be that gentle with him when he'd done something naughty?! 

"I'll take him back for another hour-"

"No," Changbin says firmly to Hyunjin. "You're going back to bed. Innie can nap in here if he pleases."

Jisung's not going to stand and listen to his daddies debating over such a silly matter when there's far more important things to be worrying about. With a loud groan, he marches out, waiting for one of them to say something.

Instead, they carry on with their debate. Jisung already knows Changbin's going to win, but he's not in the mood to tell Hyunjin that.

Not as if Daddy will listen, anyway.

"And where do you think you're going, mister?" Jisung pouts when he looks up at Chan, who has his arms crossed as he peers down at the little.

"To play?" Honestly, Jisung's not too sure what he's doing, but he's even more confused about why Chan is looking at him so expectantly. 

He definitely put his toys away last night. And he hasn't done anything naughty this morning. So what could it be?

"Ah, okay. I guess Sungie would rather stay here while all of us go to the park," Chan smirks.

Jisung's eyes lighten up immediately. How on earth could he have forgotten?! They're going to the park today, and they're going to see Kai and baby Beomgyu and have all sorts of delicious treats - he'd even helped Minho to prepare some of the food!

He bounces excitedly, so much that Chan sets a gentle hand on his head to calm him down. "You'd best get dressed, bub. Do you need any help-"

"Noooo," Jisung giggles, rushing to his and Minho's room. Chan gently chides him for running, but nothing's going to break Jisung's spirit now.

He's going to see his friends, he's going to be pushed so high on the swings by Changbin, and he's going to eat so much delicious food, and-

"Jisung, you scared the life out of me!" Minho gasps, clutching his chest with his hands. Felix's expression is also full of surprise. Jisung's confused - why is Felix in here - and why is he playing with Jisung's quokka? "You should knock before barging in like that."

"But it's my room," Jisung whines. "And that's my plushie."

Felix pouts and puts the quokka in its usual place on Jisung's bed. Minho sighs, rolling his eyes. "I was just helping Lixie get his pull-up on. Do you need one too, Jisung?"

Disgust coats Jisung's face. "No, Appa! I'm a big boy! Don' need a pull-up."

Minho holds his hands up. "Alright, alright, I was only asking. You had an accident the other day so I wasn't sure-"

"Appa!" Jisung whines, and it could just be his imagination, but he swears he hears Seungmin giggling behind the door. But when Jisung opens it, there's nobody there.

Since Jisung's one of the older littles, he gets to pick out his own clothes a lot of the time, just like Seungmin. But when he tries to put on a tank top and shorts, Minho shakes his head.

"Not those, Sungie; it's cold."

Although the soft green sweater and long pants are comfy, and Jisung likes them, he's bitter at the fact he didn't get to pick out his own outfit. Seungmin, on the other hand, is praised for choosing his clothes once they're all in the living room.

"Looks like our little fashion prince has some competition," Changbin chuckles, tickling Jeongin's tummy. Jisung thinks that's a silly joke - Innie never picks out his own clothes or dresses himself when he's little. But when he goes to tell Appa that, Chan interrupts.

"Right, Hyunjin's just getting dressed, so we can head out to the car."

Of course, Jisung's stuck right next to Seungmin. Even though they're in their booster seats, Seungmin keeps poking him and pinching him when he knows their daddies aren't looking. Jisung does his best not to retaliate, but when he's dealt a very painful pinch to his thigh, he whacks Seungmin's hand hard.

"Ow!" Seungmin cries, and Jisung stares at him in dismay. There aren't even tears coming out of the other little's eyes as he whimpers: "Sungie just hit me."

"Han Jisung," Chan warns, looking at him through the rearview mirror. Jisung's mouth drops open in shock - no way he's getting into trouble for this!

"Seungmin hurt me first!" he yelps. There's being mean, and then there's being horrible, and that's what Seungmin's being now. Not only has he started a fight, but he's snitched on Jisung for retaliating.

Seungmin sniffles extra loudly, but Jisung can see how hard the little is holding back a giggle. "N-no I didn't!"

The blubbering is pretty believable, and Jisung can't help the way his chest seizes up. How could Seungmin do this?

At least Changbin can tell Jisung's getting worked up. "Alright, alright. I don't care who started it, but it ends now, got it?"

Although Jisung so badly wants to argue that it's still not fair, he knows this is the best he's going to get. So, with a pout, he nods, quietly asking if he can be moved. Changbin sighs but nods, getting out of the car to move the booster seat (and by default, Jisung), so Jisung will be sat next to Hyunjin instead.

"And Minnie," Jisung hears Changbin say quietly behind him. "If I find out you lied, I'll be very, very disappointed. Do you understand me?"

With the silence from Seungmin, Jisung feels a little bit at peace.

Jeongin's already dozing in his carseat by the time Hyunjin climbs in. Jisung can't help the jealous feeling when he sees Minho and Felix in-front of him; Appa is being so gentle with Felix, humming softly and letting the little play on his phone. 

Jisung doesn't have a favourite caregiver, but nobody can deny that he gravitates towards Minho when he's little, and Minho is exactly the same with Jisung. It just feels like Minho's been strange with him all morning, even though Jisung has already served his punishment for what he'd done to Seungmin's painting yesterday.

Swallowing, Jisung closes his own eyes, wishing for just a few seconds, that he could be as little as Jeongin, without a care in the world. To be spoilt and doted on and not do anything in return.

He wakes with a start almost thirty minutes later. Jisung hadn't meant to fall asleep, but then again, he hadn't slept too well last night after Seungmin had started ignoring him. Chan gently lifts him out of the booster seat, setting Jisung on the ground, and Jisung has to grasp onto Chan's arms for a few moments so he doesn't fall over.

"Kai!" Seungmin screeches, running straight past a wobbly Jisung and into the playground. 

It was becoming more and more common for idol groups to have quite a few littles. Years ago, if a member of a group was classified as a little, it was difficult for that group to continue - companies had to abide by Little Protection Laws, which meant giving them mandatory leave for headspace slips and only letting them work for four hours a day. Most companies weren't interested in putting in the extra effort, and so groups either disbanded or the littles were prompted to leave.

However, when littles started getting kicked out due to 'unforseen circumstances', their fellow group members started protesting, and pretty soon, the whole country was campaigning for fairer rights for littles in the entertainment industry. Why should their dreams be crushed because of their classifications?

Soon, companies realised that having littles was actually a benefit, as plenty of fans, especially caregivers, gushed over them and found them adorable, always enquiring how the littles were doing. It was also a great marketing strategy as more littles started becoming major fans of idol groups.

Kai, Uncle Yeonjun, Uncle Soobin, Uncle Taehyun and baby Beomgyu are all sat at a picnic table, waiting for them. As soon as Seungmin runs into the playground, Kai leaps up and bounds over to him, the two hugging and giggling with each other.

Jisung can't help the jealousy rising inside his belly. Seungmin is his little brother (by a few days, but still!) and best friend...so why has he left Jisung all by himself? Jisung knows Seungmin is mad at him, but when he played with other littles, Seungmin was the first one to get pouty and angry his big brother wasn't paying attention to him.

"Okay, boys, you go and play for a little bit. We'll call you over when it's time to eat," Changbin tells them.

Seungmin and Kai immediately rush off, and Felix drags Daddy Chan to the swings, leaving Jisung all alone.

Minho cradles Jeongin in his lap, the youngest little now awake and peering around the park curiously. Beomgyu, who is nestled comfortably in Uncle Yeonjun's lap, coos and waves at the other baby. Jisung stares at the two of them - they're certainly too little to play with.

"Why don't you go and play with Kai and Seungmin, Jisung?" Uncle Soobin asks gently, smiling at Jisung.

Of course, Soobin doesn't know about the argument that went down last night. However, before Jisung can explain to Soobin what happened, Changbin is nudging him in the direction of Seungmin and Kai.

"Go on, Jisung. Go play," he prompts. When Jisung does walk away, he hears a giggle from Uncle Taehyun, along with a tired groan from Changbin saying 'finally, a minute's peace'.

That's not nice, Jisung thinks. Especially since Jeongin's the one who's been crying nonstop and yet Changbin's still sat with him - Jisung hadn't disrupted any peace this morning; that had all been Seungmin's fault.

Speaking of Seungmin, he and Kai are currently behind the jungle gym, roaring and pretending to scratch each other. When Jisung joins them, Seungmin rolls his eyes.

"What are you playing?" Jisung asks quietly. He's played with Kai before, but the other little is definitely closer to Seungmin.

"Dinosaurs," Seungmin answers, his tone clipped.

Jisung huffs at the attitude. "Can I play?"

"No," Seungmin groans. "You'll start bossing us around like you always do. It's never fun when you play."

A look of outrage spreads across Jisung's face. "It's always fun when I play! It's not my fault you two are so bad at making up games."

Both Seungmin and Kai stare at him, irritation coating their faces. Then, Kai says: "We don't wanna play with you if you're gonna be mean."

Mean. Mean! How on earth is Jisung the mean one here? He's had his pancakes eaten, been scolded by his daddies all day for things that aren't his fault, been pinched and poked and practically blamed for disrupting the 'peace' in the household. If anything, everyone else is being mean. Seungmin especially.

"I'm not mean - he is!" he yells, pointing at Seungmin, who rolls his eyes. Then, a smirk spreads across Seungmin's face.

"Yeah, I'm mean and big and cool and that's why I'm a dinosaur. You're too annoying to be a dinosaur, Jisung. You're more like a bee that's always buzzing," Seungmin giggles, and then he starts making a loud, droning buzzing sound.

Kai giggles and joins in. Jisung swallows.

"That's not-"

But they don't stop, instead continuing to buzz obnoxiously. Jisung just waits for them to stop, but as soon as he opens his mouth once they've gone silent, they start up with the buzzing again.

"Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz," Seungmin laughs. "Like an annoying little bee. You're so annoying, Jisung."

"Yeah, when you talk, you sound like this. Buzzzzzzz," Kai echoes.

They don't allow Jisung to get a word in edgeways, always cutting him off with the buzzes. Jisung starts to feel sick; they don't even look at him, pointedly excluding him from their game. It's not fair at all - he'd never do that to one of them!

With a grunt, he stomps back to the picnic table, ready to rant to his daddies. Sadly, they don't give him a chance to speak, either.

"Oh good, Sungie, we were just about to have the picnic. Uncle Soobin's phone said there'll be a thunderstorm in an hour, so we'd best hurry," Chan states, clapping his hands. "Do you wanna go get the others?"

"No," Jisung pouts. "They're being mean."

Yeonjun raises his eyebrows. "Is Kai being mean, Jisung? That boy, honestly. I'll just-"

"Ah, don't worry Yeonjun. I'm sure it was just a little game that got a bit out-of-hand. Our Sungie doesn't just let other littles walk over him," Chan chuckles, nudging Jisung to sit down.

Jisung's mouth drops open. Chan's right that he'll always defend himself, but that doesn't make what Seungmin and Kai is doing okay! Jisung knows that if Seungmin came running to his daddies saying Jisung and another little were excluding him, it would be a different story.

Before he can squeak out his protests, though, Minho rubs a gentle hand across his back. "Let's just settle down and have some lunch, okay?"

He knows his daddies are trying to keep the peace, but Jisung still thinks this is all wildly unfair. Chan returns with a giggly Seungmin and Kai while Changbin carries Felix to the table, having been to wash Felix's hands as the little was playing in the sandpit. Plates of cool, delicious food are set down. Minho quickly gets everyone to sanitise their hands before they all dig in.

Jisung pouts at how Seungmin and Kai are whispering to each other. He angrily loads his plate with cakes, only to frown when Minho puts a hand over his. "Eat some proper food as well, Jisung."

"But Appa-"

"I'll pick out some for you if you won't," Minho scolds.

Jisung sighs but obediently piles some rice and vegetables into a bowl.

"Wow, Seungmin, you're such a healthy boy! I can barely get your Uncle Soobin to eat that many vegetables," Yeonjun praises. When Jisung looks over to Seungmin, even he is surprised with the amount of vegetables he has gathered. The two of them usually try and sweet talk their daddies and appas into giving them sweet treats over fruit, which never works, but now Jisung is alone in that, too.

Seungmin smiles and basks in the praise, and Jisung glares as Seungmin makes eye contact with him, smiling very widely, rubbing it in Jisung's face what a good little he is.

Jisung's not even hungry. Not that he had anything for breakfast (which nobody noticed, by the way!), but his tummy is still churning and bubbling.

"Is there a problem, Jisung?" Changbin asks, quirking an eyebrow up at Jisung. Oh shoot, Jisung thinks - he'd been caught glaring at Seungmin! He shakes his head quickly, while Changbin nods, saying: "Let's keep it that way, then."

The picnic is full of loud chatter and laughter. It seems the caregivers are thrilled to catch up and give each other all the gossip. Seungmin and Kai continue their game of dinosaurs, feeding each other and letting out roars as they do so. Jeongin and Beomgyu are fed their bottles by Hyunjin and Taehyun, but even when they've finished, the two babies babble to each other animatedly, as if they can understand each other.

Jisung, however, is totally silent. He eats his food slowly, peering around, but it's as if he's invisible. The only time somebody makes contact with him is when Minho wipes some sauce from his mouth, but even then, Appa carries on talking to Soobin about some new recipe he'd tried. Jisung just allows him to do it - he knows if he chimes in, he'll just get a nod and an 'oh, that's really interesting, Sungie', before being pushed out of the conversation.

"Right boys, you've got about twenty minutes left before we need to go home," Chan announces. Seungmin and Kai both start whining, until Chan says: "Don't worry, we know the weather's annoying, so we'll all be going back to our house."

Oh great, Jisung thinks. He won't even be able to sulk in the comfort of his own home because Kai and Seungmin will probably terrorise him. At least if it was just Seungmin, Jisung would be able to tell his daddies, but they probably will just brush Jisung off to not make a scene in-front of everyone else.

Jisung, Seungmin and Kai are told to go play. There is a massive forest behind the playground where they had their picnic, but of course, they have to stay where their daddies can see them, and are directed to the fenced playground.

"Take Lixie with you too," Hyunjin says. "He wants to play with you."

"Yay!" Seungmin squeaks, grabbing Felix's hand. "Let's go. Felix is a baby, so we've gotta be gentle, Kai. He's not as little as Innie, but..."

Jisung tunes Seungmin out, pouting as he stomps behind them. He doesn't want to play with Seungmin and Kai, but when he'd tried to sit back down with the caregivers, Chan had gently nudged him in the direction of the others. Basically saying Jisung's presence wasn't welcome.

Well, Jisung knows where he's not wanted. He follows the littles, checking behind him to see if his daddies are acknowledging how good he's being, but they're talking amongst themselves again.

Seungmin decides that Felix is too little to play dinosaurs. Felix seems determined to play fairies, anyway.

"Sungie, you gots to be the flower prince fairy! B-because you're so pretty," Felix orders, jumping up and down.

Jisung rolls his eyes as Felix starts gathering daisies, as if he can make a crown out of the tiny white flowers.

"Fairies have wings," Kai chuckles, and then suddenly, he and Seungmin start buzzing, flapping their arms and zooming around in circles.

Jisung growls, fed up with two of them. "S-stop doing that! It's annoying!"

"Do you hear something, Kai?" Seungmin giggles, pretending to stare right past Jisung.

Kai shakes his head. "No. Oh wait, I think it might have been an annoying little bee!"

And then the buzzing starts again. Jisung clenches his fists, feeling tears blur his eyesight, but he really, really doesn't want to cry in-front of Seungmin and Kai, or he'll never hear the end of it.

Sadly, Seungmin sees how red his eyes have gotten. But instead of backing down and leaving Jisung alone, it just fuels him on even more.

"Are you crying, Jisung? You're such a baby! Like Innie and Beomgyu!" he jeers.

Jisung gasps in outrage. "N-no I'm not! I'm bigger than you, Seungmin," he cries.

Seungmin laughs, but there isn't a smile on his face. It's clear he's still furious about his painting that Jisung ruined last night.

"Yes you are! I heard Appa saying that you had an accident the other day, and he was gonna put you in a pull-up. I haven't had an accident in ages, which means you're the baby!" Seungmin spits out.

Kai nods, giggling, but it's clear he's uncomfortable from the arguing.

"You're being such a meanie, Seungmin," Jisung whines. "I said I was sorry about your painting - I was only trying to help! But you can't just ignore me and say bad stuff."

Seungmin glares at him. "Yes I can! I said I don't want to play with you, but you keep annoying us, like the annoying little bee that you are!"

Biting his lip, Kai steps back. Unfortunately, Felix, who doesn't know how tense the atmosphere is, gets involved.

"Bee!" the little giggles, and then, he starts his own buzzing.

Jisung's eye twitches. Before he knows what he's doing, his arm swings out and knocks Felix backwards, right onto his bottom. Felix lands softly in the sandpit, but his eyes are wide with shock and fear.

Staring at his hand as if he can't recognise it, Jisung's own eyes are wide open. Had he really just pushed his little brother?

And then, Felix bursts into tears, and everything erupts.

"You pushed Lixie!" Seungmin screeches, jumping into the sandpit and helping Felix up.

Jisung wishes that was the worst reaction. But when a shadow falls over him, he feels his insides turn freezing cold. Of course, his daddies must have seen everything.

"Han Jisung," Chan seethes. Jisung clenches his eyes shut as he turns around, trembling. "Look at me right now, young man."

"D-Daddy," he whimpers. "D-didn't mean-"

"Do not give me that, Jisung!" Chan snaps, and Jisung curls in on himself. Minho brushes past him and gathers Felix into his arms, not even sparing Jisung a glance. "You have been in a foul mood all morning. Having a tantrum at breakfast, arguing with Seungmin in the car, and now pushing over your little brother? No more park for you; you can sit in time-out."

"But...but..."

He doesn't get to say any more as he's hauled up onto Chan's hip and deposited at one of the other picnic tables. Changbin follows them and sits down, shaking his head at Jisung before quietly ordering him to sit still. Chan leaves quickly to check up on Felix; Jisung can hear Seungmin ranting about how 'mean' Jisung has been to him and Kai the whole time they were playing, and of course, Chan nods along, believing every word.

What really breaks Jisung's heart is when Minho eventually looks over. They lock eyes, but Minho shakes his head; words couldn't even describe how disappointed the caregiver looked, his eyes narrowed and forehead pinched, and Jisung hates that the look is being directed at him.

He feels so defeated. He'd had his favourite breakfast eaten and none of his daddies noticed he hadn't eaten anything, Hyunjin had told him off for trying to quieten Jeongin down, Minho was giving him the cold shoulder, Kai and Seungmin had been total meanies but now he's the real meanie because he's just hurt his baby brother.

"I wanna say sorry," he sniffles, going to stand up, but Changbin fixes him with a firm look.

"You will stay right where you are and have a good think." Changbin's tone is full of warning.

Jisung swallows. "But Appa-"

"Jisung," Changbin bites out, and Jisung knows that's his cue to be quiet. He doesn't need to embarrass himself any more; if his daddies get any angrier with him, he might just end up over one of their knees in-front of everyone, which he would never live down.

It's clear Felix is more shocked than physically hurt. His little whimpers break Jisung's heart, and Jisung wants nothing more than to run over and grovel to Felix, to apologise for being the world's worst big brother. Because Felix hasn't done anything wrong, yet he's the one who Jisung took his anger out on.

He feels terrible.

"Okay, okay, you're alright, darling," Minho coos to Felix, dusting the sand off the little's pants. "You can carry on playing or you can come and sit with me, alright?"

Huh, Jisung wishes he'd had that option, but it seemed his caregivers wanted to be rid of him so they could talk to Soobin and Yeonjun and Taehyun.

The more Jisung thinks about it, the more he thinks his daddies have been annoyed specificially at him today. He couldn't imagine Chan or Changbin just telling Seungmin to go play if he looked upset, even though he was the same age as Jisung. Jeongin caused everyone migraines with his screams and yet they hadn't told him to just 'go play' (not that he could - but still!). And Felix...well, he's just the sweetest little one; no wonder Minho wants to sit with him.

Even growing up, Jisung was always known as 'a handful', as 'the problem child'. He just had a lot of energy he needed to burn off, so many things he wanted to tell people, so much excitement to be shared. He's definitely more acquainted with the time-out corner than his brothers, but until now, Jisung had never thought that was a problem - some littles acted out more than others because they had different needs, but their caregivers still loved them all the same.

But now...now Jisung's not sure. Punishments were usually over and done with, yet he can't help but feel his daddies are still mad at him about Seungmin's painting. Seungmin certainly is, and while Jisung knows he can't force his brother to accept his apology, he wishes his daddies would pay a little more attention, and talk to Seungmin about his own behaviour.

That's not the case, though. It's only Jisung's behaviour that's the problem. He knows he pushed Felix, and he's full of so much regret, but he also feels so alone. He's always teary when one of his daddies scolds him, but Chan hadn't even put Jisung into time-out himself; he'd just passed him off to Changbin to deal with. 

"Appa..." Jisung sniffles. "W-wanna say sorry to Lix. Please-"

"Be quiet, Jisung. Or your time-out will start again," Changbin mutters, massaging his temples.

Jisung sighs sadly, obediently closing his mouth, eyes red and teary. Of course, Changbin doesn't notice.

It doesn't take long for Felix's tears to dry up. Seungmin and Kai bounce around him, eagerly promising Felix that they'll play whatever game he wants in the time they have left. Minho smiles fondly at them, sitting down on one of the benches inside the playground to watch over the littles. He doesn't look back at Jisung at all.

Sniffling, Jisung watches as his brothers and Kai flutter around, pretending to be fairies. Felix is enamoured with Kai, saying he should be the fairy prince instead. It's as if everyone's totally forgotten about Jisung.

"I'm just taking mister for a change," Hyunjin announces tiredly, sitting Jeongin on his hip, the baby sucking his pacifier quietly.

Jisung swallows. He hadn't even realised he'd needed to use the restroom, but now, he realises he'd unconsciously been pressing his thighs together, desperately needing to go.

"I need to go," he tells Changbin, who peers at him for a second. Thankfully, Changbin believes Jisung, and nods to Hyunjin, but firmly reminds Jisung that his time-out isn't over and that he'll be going straight back on the bench when he gets back.

Hyunjin storms ahead, so Jisung has to run to catch-up, almost tripping a few times. He knows Daddy just wants to get the change over and done with, but he could have at least held Jisung's hand.

The restroom is...disgusting. The walls and floor are coated in grime, and Jisung can see quite a few tiny critters scrurrying about. Hyunjin gags, warning Jisung not to touch anything. But when he opens the family cubicle, Hyunjin groans in annoyance.

And then...

"What a fucking joke."

Jisung gasps - caregivers aren't supposed to swear, especially not around littles!

Hyunjin realises his mistake too, for a look of horror crosses his face. "I...uh - don't repeat that, Jisung!" he begs. "Look, we're gonna have to go and get another caregiver. This cubicle is tiny; no way are all three of us going to fit in."

But Jisung really can't be bothered going back. He needs the restroom now, and with Chan and Minho being preoccupied with the others, Appa Changbin will have to be the one to take him, and Jisung doesn't really want to speak to him right now. 

They'll all get more annoyed with Jisung, having to take precious time away from the others just so he can use the restroom.

"Daddy, no! I'll just go, please!" Jisung whines, crossing his legs. "Need to go now!"

Jeongin starts whining too, and Hyunjin looks as if his head is about to explode. "Okay, okay! But you will wait for me, okay? If you run outside when I'm not done, you'll be in a lot of trouble, do you understand?"

Jisung nods, and then bounds into one of the other cubicles. He hears Hyunjin sigh as the caregiver makes his way into the family cubicle with Jeongin.

Of course, Jisung's done before Hyunjin is. It sounds like there's barely any space to move, so Jisung knows it must be hard for Hyunjin to get Jeongin changed, especially with how much of a squirmer the youngest is.

"Jisung, are you still there?" Hyunjin calls out.

"Yes, Daddy," Jisung responds, washing his hands. A sigh of relief can be heard.

But when Jisung goes to stand outside the family cubicle, he looks outside. The forest catches his attention; the restroom was a little walk away from the playground and picnic area, just on the outskirts of the forest. If Jisung walked just a few metres, he'd be right in the forest.

The forest, which goes on for miles and miles. Jisung knows because he'd been for walk through it once with his daddies. He hadn't liked it too much; there was no playground, and as it got to dusk, the forest got a little spooky.

But now, looking at it, Jisung wonders if it would be a good thing to have a walk in the forest. His daddies surely wouldn't be able to find him; everything began to look the same after a while in there. 

No, what is he thinking - of course he can't do that! His daddies would be so worried and upset and...

Wait, would they? Thinking about it, Jisung's not too sure. They've showed nothing but annoyance towards him all day, Seungmin doesn't even want to talk to him, and he'd hurt Felix. The more Jisung reflects, the more he thinks it might be good after all.

They won't have to deal with him, and he won't have to deal with their looks of exasperation. Maybe they'll be happy for a bit of peace and quiet. Sure, they'll still have Jeongin, but it's okay when he's loud - it's not when Jisung is, his daddies had proved that.

Breath hitching, Jisung tiptoes past the cubicle Hyunjin and Jeongin are currently occupying, and steps out into the sunlight. 

Nobody will be able to see him run into the forest from this angle, as the tiny building the restroom's in is blocking the playground and picnic area.

Peace and quiet, Jisung thinks. He runs.

Chapter Text

Minho smiles watching Seungmin, Felix and Kai bounce around, Felix flapping his arms wildly while Seungmin and Kai clap and cheer. It seems Felix has already forgotten about being pushed earlier.

Chan sighs next to him. "Jisung's been off all morning," he mutters, shaking his head.

Minho nods. "He was tossing and turning quite a bit last night. But still, a lack of sleep doesn't give him the right to push his little brother."

It had come as a total shock when Minho saw Jisung's hand fly out and purposefully push Felix over. Jisung was always looking out for his little brothers - it was totally out of character for him to hurt one of them. Sure, he and Seungmin had their squabbles every now and then due to their closeness in littlespace ages, but he'd never squabbled with Felix or Jeongin.

Heck, Jisung sometimes told his daddies off for being 'too rough' with the youngest littles if they weren't treating them like glass.

"I know. I'll have a good talk with him when we get back," Chan states softly, patting Minho's thigh. "We need to get to the bottom of whatever-"

"Is Jisung here?!" Both Chan and Minho whip around at Hyunjin's frantic panting. Hyunjin has Jeongin on his hip, his hair astray, sweat pouring down his pale face. "Is he?"

"What...Jisung? I thought he was with Changbin-"

"Shit, shit, shit!" Hyunjin shouts. Seungmin and Kai both stop playing with Felix, staring up at Hyunjin with wide eyes - why was the caregiver using such naughty language?

Chan and Minho clearly think the same. "Hyunjin, what's-" Chan starts, only to get cut off again.

"He's gone! Jisung's gone!" Hyunjin wails. Jeongin, who'd been quiet up until now, starts crying. "I was just - he told me he was outside, but when I came out, I couldn't find him! I-"

Minho feels his stomach twisting up into knots, the contents of the picnic dangerously crawling up his throat. "What do you mean, Jisung's gone?" he croaks out. He wants to scream, wants to shout, but his voice remains unbearably quiet.

"I mean I don't know where the fuck he is! He was with me in the restroom and now he's vanished. Changbin hasn't seen him, Yeonjun and Soobin and Taehyun haven't seen him. He's gone!" Hyunjin screeches.

Before Chan or Minho can respond, the feeling of tiny raindrops on their skin has them all shivering. It dawns on them all, in that moment, that there is a thunderstorm due, and that Jisung is missing - all alone.

Chan leaps up at that moment, his whole body tense. "We've got to split up, all of us," he orders. "He must have gone through the forest - we would have seen him if he'd have come this way. I'll go and tell the others." And then, he's running off in the direction of Changbin, Yeonjun, Soobin and Taehyun.

Minho swallows. He has to cover his mouth, willing himself to breathe and to not lose his lunch.

A tug of his sleeve has him gazing at Seungmin, who looks terrified, his skin grey and eyes watering.

"A-Appa. Sungie gone?" he whispers, trembling.

Usually, Minho would do everything in his power to not show the littles when he was worried. But there's no hiding it now. He's petrified, and he can't shield it from anyone.

Nodding, he stands up, taking Seungmin's hand. "Y-yes, Minnie. Come on - let's go and find him. Hopefully, he hasn't got too far."

Minho silently prays that's the case.

XxX

Jisung huffs as he stomps down the mossy path, ducking under the long, sharp branches that seem to be everywhere. Seriously, just how many trees does one forest need? It didn't seem this...green...the last time he was here.

A raindrop slides down his nose, causing Jisung to freeze for a moment. Oh right...Daddy Chan had said something about a thunderstorm.

Chills run down Jisung's spine. Thunder and lightning really scare him. His daddies learnt this when a bad thunderstorm saw Jisung hiding underneath Minho's bed for 'safety'. They'd been worried, thinking he'd left the house, until Minho got a gut instinct that his baby was afraid.

Every time there was a thunderstorm now, Appa Minho wrapped Jisung in a blanket and cuddled him close, holding up a mug of hot chocolate for him to sip. Even though his brothers didn't react to thunderstorms as badly as he did, they never teased Jisung for his fear.

But he's made the decision to run away. So...he'll just have to get used to it, Jisung thinks.

He wants nothing more than to run back to his daddies, but it's too late.

Perhaps there's somewhere nearby he could hide until the storm passes? Yes, it hasn't started yet; only a little bit of rain. He breaks out into a run, nearly tripping over as he flies through the trees - if he could just make it to the end of the forest, there'd be somewhere he could hide, surely.

But the forest seems endless. It's not long until Jisung's little legs tire out, and the rain has picked up a lot. Just as he's about to throw himself down in frustration, however, he hears voices. They're far away, but Jisung can tell who it is straight away.

His daddies.

Oh no. If they catch him now, they'll be furious! His clothes are soaking wet, his shoes are covered in mud, and worst of all, he'd disobeyed Daddy Hyunjin. Not to mention, his daddies are probably still really angry about what he'd done to Felix.

Jisung's eyes dart around in panic, until he zones in on a log a few feet away. It looks big enough for him to hide from sight.

"Jisung! Are you out here?" That's definitely Chan. They must be close. With a gasp, Jisung dives into the log, crawling into the tunnel until he's sure he's hidden from view.

It's horrible in here. The holes either side of the log allow light to bleed in, but aside from that, it's dark, damp and Jisung can feel tiny creatures crawling all over him. His cries are drowned out by the rain as he buries his face into his knees, doing whatever he can to preserve some warmth.

But it's hopeless. His clothes are soaked and they're not getting any drier in here.

He doesn't hear his daddies again. Jisung wants to peek his head out of the log, but he's worried that they'll find him. His punishment will probably be worse when they figure out he hid from them too.

So, he waits. A clap in the distance has Jisung letting out a sob. He throws his hands over his mouth to muffle his cries.

And then, he sees the forest turn white. More thunder follows. The rain is pelting down now. The log is saturated with water, and Jisung is freezing.

More little insects fly and crawl their way in, invading Jisung's space, and he feels hopeless. He screams out for his daddies, no longer caring about their anger. Now, he just wants to go home.

But his daddies are long gone by now. Their calls for him left long ago, replaced by booming thunder. The lightning strikes outside, the only illumination of the now dark forest. Jisung is terrified. His daddies had always assured him that the thunder and lightning wouldn't hurt him, not when he's in their safe little home, with his family.

Jisung's all alone now. He's far away from home, and doesn't know how to get back, since they'd come in the car. In-fact, he doesn't even know how to get out of the forest; it had felt like he'd run for miles, only to end up in what looked like the same place as where he'd started. Everywhere he looked, the forest looked the same - trees, mud, bushes...it was a maze, and he was trapped.

The thunder booms again, this time sounding really close, as if the sky is yelling at Jisung personally. It's unsurprising that he has an accident, even though it hasn't been too long since he'd been to the bathroom.

He feels ashamed now. Especially since Seungmin had meanly called him a baby, had told Kai he needed a pull-up because of his accident the other day.

Seungmin's probably thrilled that he's gone, Jisung thinks. Sure, they had their arguments every now and then, and sometimes they fought, but Seungmin's never been so cold to him. Usually, after apologies, they'd hug and make up, but Jisung had obviously gone too far this time.

Their daddies had brought out the art supplies because Seungmin had been begging for them for weeks. Usually, anything that could ruin the walls or furniture was reserved for special occasions, but because all the littles had been well-behaved, Chan had said that as long as they put their aprons on and only painted on the canvases, it was okay.

Jeongin just ended up pressing his fingers into his own set of paints, dabbing them on some paper. Apparently, Minho thought it was the cutest thing.

Felix said he was painting a butterfly, but it looked more like two misshapen circles. Jisung had to clarify what exactly he was looking at, and Felix got mad because 'duh, of course it's a bu'fly!'

Jisung didn't hate painting. In-fact, he was thrilled that they were getting to do something they weren't usually allowed to, but what he had in mind just wasn't translating onto the canvas. He had a wicked picture in mind: pirates and aliens fighting in outer-space...but painting that just wasn't working.

He'd looked over to Seungmin, wondering if he was in the same boat, only for his jaw to drop when he saw how good his little brother's painting was.

Reds, yellows and oranges blended together to make the most dreamy, calm sunset. A large, golden sun was half hidden by calm, deep blue waves. Soft clouds floated above the peaceful ocean, looking so realistic that Jisung could almost feel their softness.

And he wasn't the only one who noticed. Chan, who'd been knelt behind Felix while he made huge strokes across his butterfly's wings, suddenly gasped.

"Minnie," the caregiver said breathlessly. "That's...beautiful."

He called the others over, and they were all enamoured with Seungmin's painting too. Hyunjin, especially, looked awestruck as his eyes flitted over each detail.

A pit began to grow in Jisung's tummy as Seungmin basked in his daddies' praises.

"L-look at my one," Jisung said desperately, shaking Minho's shoulder and pointing at his own canvas, filled with bright squiggles and blobs.

Minho's smile was wide as he turned around, but he barely glanced at Jisung's canvas. "Wow, baby, that's amazing!" And then, his eyes were on Seungmin and his painting once more.

It was clear whose artwork was the favourite. Jeongin and Felix didn't care at all about the lack of attention on their designs - Felix was just happy to have his acknowledged as a butterfly.

All the paintings were hung up on the refrigerator with their names written at the bottom. Seungmin couldn't stop smiling at his, the corners of his eyes crinkled.

"That was so fun, wasn't it, Sungie?! I like your painting too...is that a cyclops?" Seungmin babbled excitedly as they stood in-front of their masterpieces.

"An alien," Jisung mumbled, sauntering away.

They all returned to the living room to clean up, and that's when Jisung got the idea. He swiped up a paintbrush, dipped it into one of Jeongin's paints, and then slipped back into the kitchen when the coast was clear. He only meant to make a little change, but suddenly, the brush was dancing up and down, left and right, and Jisung grinned as the enormous green kraken came to life on Seungmin's painting.

And then Seungmin had walked in to admire his painting again, and screamed so loud before running off to Minho.

Looking back at it now, Jisung feels terrible. He'd painted the kraken on Seungmin's painting not because he thought it would look better, but because deep down, he was jealous. Seeing his daddies' faces light up with glee at Seungmin's art sparked a green-eyed monster which ended up ruining everything.

Poor Seungmin. He'd been so happy with his art. And he'd been kind to Jisung too, asking him about his own art. He hadn't been mean. But ruining the painting...that had been a step too far, and Jisung knows that now.

He's such a terrible big brother. He'd ruined Seungmin's hard work, he'd pushed Felix over, and he'd shouted at Innie to be quiet when clearly, Hyunjin didn't need his help in calming the baby down. The more Jisung thinks about it, the more he thinks he doesn't deserve to be their big brother.

Well, his daddies had made it clear that his actions were out of order. Jisung wonders if they'll forgive him for what he's done. It didn't feel that way today...every single one of them were angry with him in some way.

Chan because he'd been in a 'foul mood' and basically ruined the day out for everyone, Changbin because he wouldn't sit still in time out, Hyunjin because he'd been shouting when the caregiver already had a headache.

And Minho, well, he'd obviously been annoyed with Jisung from the night before. Why else had he not woken him up for what he knew was Jisung's favourite breakfast, and been short with him before they were due to leave, and barely even looked at him after he'd pushed Felix?

Worst of all, though, was that it felt like none of them wanted to just...be around him. They were all quick to get rid of him, ushering Jisung away to play, for 'a minute's peace' as Changbin called it. Even when he'd said Seungmin was being mean, they just brushed him off, leaving him to wallow in silence as they laughed with Yeonjun and Soobin and Taehyun as if he was being overdramatic.

His daddies weren't like that with his brothers. Only Jisung.

Seungmin's right, he thinks, as he sits there crying, wet, and desperate for a snuggle. He's just a silly baby. A pestering, buzzy little bee.

The rain continues to pelt against his log shelter. Jisung closes his eyes. He really, really wants to say sorry to Seungmin and Felix now, but he's so cold, and who knows? Maybe they won't even want to talk to him when he's found.

If he's found.

Eventually, Jisung does fall asleep - unsurprising, with his exhaustion from the night before - and when he wakes up, the rain seems to have calmed down. It's really dark now, though, so it must have been hours since he'd last been awake, which has anxiety clawing at his belly; what if it's too late for anybody to find him?! Will he be stuck here all night?

As Jisung begins to whimper, now hungry as well as cold and wet, light once again illuminates the forest. He lets out a scream, thinking the lightning is back, but then, there's voices. A head pops into the end of the tunnel, which startles Jisung.

"I think this is him," the stranger says to somebody outside the log, then they face Jisung again. "Hi there, bud. Are you Jisung?"

Jisung's breath hitches. Who on earth is this person and how do they know his name? But as he peers closer, he sees a badge on the person's uniform - they must be a police officer.

Hesitantly, he nods. The officer grins softly and holds out a hand. "It can't be comfortable being in there, huh? We're gonna get you back to your daddies as soon as possible, so I'll need you to crawl towards me, okay?"

His daddies? Huh. It's been a while since he's seen them. He called for them several times, but they never came. Even though they promised they'd never leave.

Jisung's hands are shaky as he scoots closer to the officer. He's freezing now, his body trembling. The officer pulls him out, immediately wrapping him in a blanket.

"We'd best get him to the hospital to get checked out. Call his caregivers straight away," the officer orders. When he speaks to Jisung again, his tone is much gentler. "Don't worry, little guy. We're gonna get you to somewhere warm, and you'll see your daddies again very soon."

Warmth. That sounds nice, Jisung thinks, pressing his face against the officer's shoulder. He notices that there are several other officers standing around; some with torches, one holding a police dog, which is whimpering as it attempts to nuzzle against Jisung's leg.

Tears slip out involuntarily as he's placed in a car seat. A different officer slides in next to Jisung, apologising profusely. She's warm as she rubs Jisung's hand between her two palms, though, which has him settling soon enough.

The drive to the hospital isn't too long. Jisung is quickly carried inside and is immediately taken into a different set of arms, whisked through a corridor with brightly painted walls.

Soon, he arrives at a small, colourful room, where a smiling, paediatric nurse greets him.

"Hi there, sweetheart!" he coos, quietly instructing the person holding Jisung to set him down. The nurse comes to squat in-front of him, keeping some distance between them so Jisung doesn't feel too uncomfortable. "Have you been out in that rain for a while?"

After a few moments, Jisung nods. The nurse's expression doesn't change as he returns the nod. "Ah, you must be feeling quite cold, huh? We'd best get you warmed up, hmm?"

Jisung squirms as his temperature is taken. He's glad to be out of his soaked clothes, though, and the blankets around him are nice and warm. The drink, no matter how warm it is though, is horrible, and Jisung can't take more than a few sips before he's pushing it away.

The nurse is the smartest person, though, Jisung thinks, for he asks someone to bring up a warm bottle of milk. Now that, Jisung is more than happy to drink.

He almost forgets about how upset and icky he feels, until the door clangs open. Arms are around him, tugging Jisung up and into a warm, familiar chest.

"Oh, my baby. My sweet baby boy."

Minho.

Jisung doesn't say anything as he's snuggled tightly against Minho's chest. As he tilts his head to the side, Jisung realises that Chan and Changbin are here too, their expressions relieved but also...

They look as if they've been through hell. Their faces are worn and clammy, as though they've aged about ten years in the last few hours. Chan has what looks like a diaper bag slung over his shoulder, but that's strange because Jeongin's not here, at least not that Jisung knows.

"I'll step out so you can get him changed," the nurse says to Minho. Jisung pulls away from Minho to look at the man who'd wrapped Jisung in blankets and gotten him some milk.

Without thinking, he stretches his arms out towards the nurse. "Aw, you're just the sweetest little one, aren't you?" the nurse croons, picking Jisung up and giving him a snuggle, before handing him back to a startled Minho, who looks between the nurse and Jisung, flabbergasted.

Chan and Changbin, after a bit of coaxing, leave Minho to get Jisung changed while the nurse talks to them. Chan places the bag down before scurrying out, and Minho starts pulling out items. Jisung watches silently.

"Nurse said you might need this, honey," Minho murmurs, pulling out a pull-up along with some wipes and rash cream.

There's a sting at Jisung's chest as he thinks of Seungmin's mocking jeers once again about him being a baby, but he's in no mood to fight anymore. He's just so tired.

Without protest, Jisung lies back on the examination table, not even squirming as Minho tugs the blankets away. A sharp intake of breath has him looking up, though.

Minho's eyes are filled with tears as his eyes rake over Jisung's skin. All red and irritated, tiny little insect bites here and there. The nurse had said Jisung would need a gentle bath when he got home because he'd been in wet clothes for a long time.

Full of worry, Minho calls the nurse back, pointing at the condition Jisung is in. Chan and Changbin, who have only just seen what laid under the blankets, look sick and anxious.

The nurse nods calmly at all of Minho's fretting questions, before gently cutting him off. "I understand that he doesn't look too good at the moment, but there's no sign of infection or a fever of any kind. Of course, if any of that changes, bring him straight back, but what your baby needs is some TLC. Get him into a bath, into some warm pajamas, and then give him plenty of snuggles. Just make sure to rub some cream onto him after his bath for those bites. He may also have a rash too, so keep an eye on that when you're changing his diapers."

Minho swallows at that, looking down at Jisung, who sticks his thumb in his mouth. That little action alone has him panicking again.

"Uh...he doesn't usually wear diapers. His headspace age is usually around five or six," he states. The nurse looks surprised at that, raising his eyebrows.

"Ah, I see. I thought he was much younger, in which case, he may have regressed further due to what happened today. Are you equipped in dealing with a young little?" he questions.

Minho can't speak, solely focused on Jisung now, so Chan answers. "Yes. Our youngest is as little as six months sometimes."

"Okay, that will make this a bit easier to deal with. It's not unusual for littles to slip quite a bit younger when a traumatic event like this happens, so I would encourage him to be as little as he needs for as long as he needs. Does your youngest have another crib you could borrow?"

"I don't think so. Oh, we do have a bassinet, though?"

The nurse nods. "That's perfect. I'd keep him as close as possible for the time being - try and put his bassinet next to one of your beds, if you can."

Minho is listening, but he can't keep his eyes off Jisung. His baby's eyes are open as he looks around the room, but they're so distant, vacant, as if he's not fully there. Nothing like the bouncy, excited baby that had left the house this afternoon.

But no, Jisung hadn't been truly excited. He'd been what Minho had taken as sulking at the time, but in reality, he'd been hurting. As the day comes back to him, Minho can't stop thinking of Jisung's tired, sad eyes. And instead of offering reassurance, he'd been dismissive, too busy getting ready for their day out, too busy with the other littles. Too busy to just...see.

"Like I said, if his condition worsens at any point, just bring him right back here. But for now, he needs a bath, cuddles and plenty of rest," the nurse smiles warmly, patting Minho's shoulder, probably seeing how distraught he looked.

Minho sniffles and nods, getting Jisung dressed for the journey home. Even though Jisung already feels warmer, Minho feels cold.

So cold.

XxX

Seungmin jumps when Uncle Soobin once again pulls his fingers away from his mouth.

"Don't bite your fingernails, baby. Your daddies will be home with your brother in no time," the caregiver croons, wiping Seungmin's hand with a cloth.

That's easy for you to say, Seungmin thinks. Soobin doesn't know how mean Seungmin had been to Jisung today.

Yes, when Jisung ruined his painting yesterday, Seungmin was angry. He'd been waiting so long to be allowed to paint, and when he'd finally gotten the chance, and his daddies had been so impressed with his work, Jisung had ruined it with a big, green blob.

Even when Jisung had apologised after his corner time, it didn't bring back the time and effort Seungmin had put into his painting. When he'd been big, Seungmin had watched so many art tutorials, eager to especially show Daddy Hyunjin that he could paint too.

Having his daddies showering him in praise was glorious. It's not that they ever made Seungmin feel neglected, but his brothers always seemed to get just a little bit more attention. Jeongin, because he was the youngest and could not physically do anything for himself; Felix, because he had a habit of trying to force his headspace away and stressing himself out, and Jisung because...because he just seemed to love attention, good or bad.

Usually, it didn't bother Seungmin if Jisung was actively trying to get their daddies' attention. He knew he needed it, needed reassurance that he was loved and cared for, no matter what. But yesterday, Seungmin had just wanted a little bit of attention for himself. And he was over the moon that he'd got it. He was proud of the work he'd done, beaming with how proud his daddies were, too.

And then Jisung had smeared over that happy feeling with a paintbrush because he wanted that attention for himself.

Just a few minutes of Seungmin getting the brunt of their daddies' attention was too much for Jisung. So yes, Seungmin was furious, and he'd decided then and there that he wasn't just going to forgive and forget.

That's why he'd been so unpleasant today. He knew that Appa Minho's pancakes were Jisung's favourite, so he'd eaten Jisung's portion too. When he'd heard about Jisung having an accident, he couldn't wait to bring that up later on to laugh at Jisung - even though he knew his daddies would be livid if they found out he'd used that information as a weapon.

The pinching was mean, and the lying about it was mean too, and the more Seungmin looks back at it, the sicker he feels. While he and Jisung had fought before, Jisung had never been downright sneaky to harm him like that. It was...it was more than mean. But Seungmin was just so angry about the painting, he hadn't even considered how betrayed Jisung must have felt.

Kai just went along with whatever Seungmin said. Of course, Seungmin didn't want to play with Jisung, but he'd still taken every chance he could to insult him, to isolate him. In his mind, it was justification for what Jisung had done - for taking away his daddies' attention once again.

When Seungmin noticed that his daddies weren't giving Jisung the attention he wanted, it made him feel satisfied. They weren't letting him get away with ruining Seungmin's painting, for stealing his attention, for ruining his happy mood.

And when Jisung had pushed Felix over, Seungmin had been genuinely angry. The babies were off-limits. Had Jisung not learnt anything?

But maybe...just maybe, Jisung was at his breaking point. The more Seungmin thinks of Jisung's sad, apologetic face, the worse he feels. And when Hyunjin had said Jisung was missing, and they searched and searched but were unable to find him, Seungmin couldn't help but feel that the whole situation was his fault.

He whimpers. His daddies had gone out to get Jisung after Daddy Chan's phone rang, so that's a good sign. But still, Seungmin wishes he could take everything back. He doesn't even care about the painting anymore.

Soobin's gentle pats don't do anything to soothe him. As soon as the front door opens, Seungmin is out of his uncle's lap in a flash, running as fast as he can.

Daddy Chan, who is the first through the door, catches him, hoisting Seungmin onto his hip.

"Settle down, sweetheart. Everything's okay," Chan murmurs, kissing Seungmin's hair.

Seungmin watches as Minho steps in, and his heart sinks when he spots Jisung. His hair is sticking up all over the place, there's bits of mud caked in his hair, his cheeks are flushed bright red.

But it's Jisung's eyes that catch Seungmin out. Droopy and dull, void of any emotion. It's like staring at an empty shell.

Jisung doesn't look at any of them, his gaze plastered firmly to the floor. He isn't hugging Minho back, flopping like a fish in the caregiver's grasp.

It's so wrong. Jisung was always the first one to be heard, to make himself known. This must be an imposter on Minho's hip...Seungmin doesn't accept that this is his big brother.

"Thanks for staying," Chan says to Soobin, Yeonjun and Taehyun.

Seungmin looks over to Kai, who's on the opposite side of the room, tucked into Yeonjun's side. After Jisung went missing, Seungmin hadn't looked the other little's way. Kai had tried talking to him, but Seungmin ignored him, focused solely on Jisung. Yeonjun had pulled Kai away and gently told him that Seungmin was just worried.

"There's no need to thank us. We're glad he's home safe," Soobin responds, standing up. "Give him plenty of snuggles from us, too."

"We will," Chan nods.

Kai scurries over to Seungmin, sniffling as he mumbles out a goodbye. Seungmin barely looks at him, standing up himself so he can carefully approach Jisung. Yeonjun coos and picks Kai up, saying his own farewells.

Taehyun's the last to walk out with a dozing Beomgyu on his hip. Just as he's walking out, though, Beomgyu reaches a sleepy hand out to Jisung and croons out a 'baaaaa'. Jisung, however, doesn't respond.

Hyunjin wades over with Felix clung to his leg. Jeongin's asleep in Hyunjin's room, though even he, despite his very little headspace, had been babbling for his 'Sung-Sung'.

"Hey baby," Hyunjin breathes out, looking down at Jisung, but he, like Seungmin, can tell there's something wrong. "Is he-"

"I'll just get him in the bath," Minho mumbles, striding past all of them. "We'll talk later."

Hyunjin looks between Chan and Changbin with furrowed eyebrows, silently asking what on earth is going on. Seungmin swallows at the solemn looks on both their faces, his chest feeling tight.

Something's definitely wrong.

XxX

Minho's chest is tight as he looks down at Jisung. The bath had been quiet, far too quiet for Jisung. Usually, he'd be splashing about, begging for more bubbles, talking in silly voices as he bounced a rubber duck around in his hand.

There was none of that this time. Minho had to hold him under his arms as he washed him, making sure to be careful that he didn't irritate his skin. He did as the nurse said, lathering on soothing cream and diapering him. He ended up dressing Jisung in a fluffy bear onesie to ensure he was extra warm for the night.

There wasn't a peep out of Jisung at all, and it was really starting to worry Minho. He'd taken Jisung's temperature again, but it was normal, so then he'd sat him in his lap in the rocking chair, but Jisung just stuck his thumb in his mouth and sighed.

It wasn't like Minho had never dealt with a tiny baby, but it was so out of the ordinary for it to be Jisung. Not to mention, unlike when Jeongin regressed, looking all peaceful and relaxed, Jisung still looked so sad.

"Can you talk to me, baby?" Minho whispers in his ear, rubbing Jisung's back. "I'd love to hear my baby boy's lovely voice again."

Jisung continues to suck his thumb slowly, as if he hadn't heard anything Minho just said. A trembling breath leaves Minho as he discreetly wipes his eyes. He heads to the living room, grabbing a pacifier on the way out.

The only sound in the living room is the low buzz of the TV. Everyone is strewed around the room; Hyunjin, Chan and Felix occupying one couch, Seungmin and Changbin on the other. There's no chatter, no soft humming - they're all silent.

When Minho walks in, though, they all sit up straight, their focus immediately fixating on Jisung. Hyunjin turns the TV off.

"Hi, baby." It's Chan who breaks the silence. The leader sounds so unsure of himself, but none of the others even know what to say, too busy staring at their eldest little who is being far too quiet for any of them.

Jisung doesn't respond, choosing to turn his head into Minho's shoulder, sucking harshly on his pacifier.

That's another thing: Jisung just doesn't use pacifiers. He's too old for them - only Jeongin, and on occasion Felix, like using them. Jisung and Seungmin are adamant that pacifiers are for babies.

Seungmin seems the most taken aback, the way he's staring intently at Jisung. He's squirming around in Changbin's lap, trying to get a better look.

"Right," Chan mutters, standing up. "We'd all best eat. I'll order something in."

"Just make him a bottle," Minho urges quietly, rubbing Jisung's back. Chan's eyes widen but he quickly hides his shock and nods.

Hyunjin stands up. "I'll make it. Innie's due his bottle too so I'll just make the two of them together. You go and order for the rest of us, hyung." He pats Chan's back, and then carefully approaches Minho.

Jisung peeks his head out slightly, wondering who is standing over him. A wobbly smile graces Hyunjin's lips as he tries his best to hold it together. Finally, he gains the courage to stroke a gentle hand over Jisung's hair, before laying a feathery kiss on his forehead.

"I'm so glad you're home, Sungie. I missed you a lot," he whispers. Jisung doesn't respond.

Minho takes a seat next to Felix, who is peering at his 'big' brother in Appa's lap. Eventually, he asks: "Appa, Sungie baby?"

Nodding, Minho says: "Yes, sweetheart, he is."

It's not long until Seungmin creeps over. He takes a seat on Minho's other side, speechless as his eyes roam over Jisung, who makes eye contact with him.

Seungmin wishes Jisung would show a reaction. He wouldn't even care if Jisung started yelling insults at him. He just needs something, anything, to show him that it's still Jisung in there.

But there's nothing. Seungmin whimpers.

"He's just spooked, baby. He'll be okay," Minho reassures him, but even he doesn't sound so sure.

They hear muffled cries from Hyunjin's room, and deduce that Jeongin must be waking up. Changbin quickly excuses himself, probably because he feels helpless that he can't do anything to improve the situation.

Dinner is a quiet affair. Nobody's really hungry, except for Felix and Jeongin, who are rather oblivious to what's going on. Jeongin gulps down his milk hungrily, having to screech every now and then as Chan sometimes forgets to readjust the bottle, too focused on Jisung.

As per the nurse's suggestion, Changbin sets up the bassinet next to Minho's bed. The rest of them say goodnight, each giving Jisung a kiss and a cuddle. Seungmin is teary-eyed as he leans up to kiss his brother's cheek, and Chan coos at him as he leads him out, promising Seungmin that he can sleep in his bed tonight.

When it's just Minho and Jisung once again, Minho sits on his own bed with Jisung in his lap, only to smile sadly when he pats his bottom. "Looks like you need a change, sweetpea."

Jisung doesn't kick or squirm or fuss like Jeongin does during one of his changes. He's completely still, gazing at the ceiling. Minho talks to him in a quiet, soft voice, but Jisung acts like he can't hear him.

Yet there's a sliver of hope when Jisung spots his quokka on his own bed. Suddenly, his dull eyes light up, and there's a smile behind his pacifier. Minho gasps, grabbing the quokka straight away to hand to his baby.

Jisung's arms wrap around the stuffie, and he bundles it close to his chest, nuzzling his cheek against the soft fabric. Minho could cry from happiness. That's the smile he'd missed.

Instead of placing Jisung in the bassinet, Minho shrugs his clothes off and lays Jisung on his chest, covering them both with the blanket. Jisung's eyes flutter shut, but his grip on the quokka never loosens. Minho's grip on Jisung never loosens either.

XxX

When Jisung wakes up, the room is bathed in golden light. He breathes in and out slowly, eyebrows furrowing when he realises there's something in his mouth. After giving the strange item a few experimental sucks, he realises it's a pacifier.

The night before floods back into his memory. He'd felt very little after waking up in the dark, cold forest at nighttime. The police officers had been kind, and the nurse had been kind too as he got Jisung warmed up.

Then Appa Minho ran in, with Daddy Chan and Appa Changbin just behind. They'd looked so worried, so scared.

After they arrived home, everybody else came over to look at him too. Daddy Hyunjin nearly cried when he stroked Jisung's hair. And Seungmin looked on the verge of becoming as little as Jisung with how bad his lips were trembling.

Most of all, Jisung remembers how much Minho kept trying to get him to talk. It makes Jisung want to sneer because they'd acted like his mere presence was an annoyance yesterday. Surely, they should be over the moon that he's giving them some peace and quiet, right?

But no. Nothing's ever good enough for them, he thinks bitterly. Everything Jisung does is wrong.

He jumps when the door opens, having not heard any footsteps. Minho's wiping his hands on his shirt, but his face lights up when he realises Jisung is awake.

"Good morning, baby! Did you have a nice sleep?" he coos, sauntering over to Jisung with his arms open. Jisung doesn't respond, just stares up at Minho warily. He doesn't miss how the caregiver's smile falters slightly. "Let's get you changed, hmm?"

Jisung tries not to react as Minho lays a changing mat on the bed. He averts his gaze as much as he can, eventually just squeezing his eyes shut as the diaper he's wearing is replaced. Luckily, Minho doesn't seem to notice his embarrassment, and swings Jisung into his arms to carry him to the dining room.

Everybody else is awake, to Jisung's dismay. They all look up, the caregivers looking all soft and fond while the littles look curious. Well, Seungmin looks afraid, which confuses Jisung, but he doesn't give it too much notice.

"Bah," Jeongin babbles, pointing at Jisung.

Hyunjin nods, ruffling Jeongin's hair. "That's right, Innie. Another baby."

Minho plops Jisung in Changbin's lap before tending to the stove. Changbin bounces him up and down on his knee gently, while Felix pats his hand, smiling widely.

"I'm so glad I get two little brothers now!" he cheers.

A fist slamming down on the table has them all jumping.

"He's not your little brother!" Seungmin shouts. "And he's not mine. He's our big brother!"

Chan holds his hands up placatingly. "Now Minnie-"

"No! Stop pretending like it's okay. It's my fault he's like that. I-I..." Seungmin can't finish his sentence, bursting into tears and burying his face in his hands. Chan sweeps him up before rushing out of the room, gently shushing Seungmin, who yells out unintelligibly.

Hyunjin sighs, massaging his temples. "Poor Minnie. It's hitting him hard."

Changbin nods, rubbing a warm hand up and down Jisung's tummy. "I don't blame him. Yesterday was terrifying for all of us - I can't imagine how he must be feeling."

Jisung rolls his eyes. What, do they think he's too little like Jeongin to not understand what they're saying?

Speaking of Jeongin, the other little keeps babbling at him, as if he expects Jisung to babble back. When he doesn't, Jeongin huffs and starts fussing around in Hyunjin's lap.

Minho delivers them their breakfast quickly, hoping to cease any tantrums. Jisung notices that the plate which has been set in-front of him and Changbin has been piled high with his favourite pancakes.

"Look at these, baby. You can have as many as you want," Changbin murmurs in his ear, pulling the plate closer to them.

Out of the corner of his eye, Jisung notices Minho watching him hopefully, waiting for him to dig in.

But he hasn't forgotten Minho's cold attitude yesterday. These pancakes are obviously a peace offering for forgetting to wake Jisung up, but it's not good enough, he thinks.

So, Jisung turns his head away. Minho's whole body visibly deflates.

"Maybe another bottle. He might just be feeling too little, hyung," Hyunjin says quickly.

Minho nods dejectedly. "Yeah...okay."

Chan and Seungmin rejoin them halfway through breakfast. The untouched plate of pancakes gets Seungmin even more upset, however, and he marches right up to Jisung with his own plate.

"Here, Sungie, you can have mine. You eat them, okay?" he pleads, pushing the plate into Jisung's lap. Changbin pulls away, lightly scolding Seungmin for nearly knocking them over, but Seungmin's not having it. "Stop it, Sungie. Just eat them, please."

"Jisung's having his bottle, Seungmin," Chan states firmly, herding Seungmin back to his own seat. "You eat your pancakes, and he'll have his bottle."

"But-"

One look at Chan's stern expression has Seungmin sitting back down, but he doesn't even want to eat his pancakes. It's so wrong, watching Jisung being fed by Changbin as if he's in a headspace close to Jeongin's.

What if Jisung's stuck like this forever? The thought makes Seungmin feel sick. Because that would mean Seungmin would never get to apologise.

If Jisung's stuck like this, it will be all Seungmin's fault.

"Come on, little buddy, eat up," Chan coaxes, holding a forkful of pancake to Seungmin's mouth, but the warm food just feels like mush in his mouth. Jisung watches the interaction with mild interest, but is soon interrupted by a by a bottle teat poking at his own lips. With a grumble, he allows Changbin to feed him.

Throughout the day, everyone does their best to just make Jisung talk. Hyunjin gets out the paints, but Jisung doesn't show any excitement, and copies Jeongin with the finger painting. Seungmin doesn't even paint, firmly crossing his arms with a pout.

Felix asks if he can put on a 'show' for his daddies, and Chan eagerly agrees with the idea, placing Jisung in his lap. When Felix starts singing, Chan desperately tries to get Jisung to sing too, but he just turns his head away with a frown.

Storytime with Appa Changbin is usually a lot of fun, as the caregiver does the best, silliest voices. But Jisung doesn't entertain them at all this time round. Even Jeongin, whose speech is incomprehensible, babbles excitedly, bouncing up and down with Felix as Changbin does his best 'three little pigs' impression.

Minho sighs sadly as he sets Jisung in his lap for another bottle.

"I miss your voice so much, honey," he whispers.

It's not just the speech. That, Minho could deal with. But Jisung hasn't made a peep. No laughter or giggles, or even whining or crying, which would be expected from a young little.

There's just...nothing. Jisung's physically here with them all, but mentally...it's like he's still lost in the forest.

Jisung pulls away from the bottle, allowing Minho to wind him without protest. He's carried to their room, changed, and then set in the bassinet with his quokka by his side. He smiles warmly at the little creature, tucking it close as his eyes drift shut.

Minho watches him for a few moments, and feels an air of peace wash over him. Jisung is safe, he reminds himself. They have issues that need sorting, but for now, he's safe.

Leaning down, he presses a kiss to Jisung's forehead. "Appa loves you so much, little love," he murmurs.

As the door gently closes, Jisung opens his eyes, staring at the door tiredly. He'll admit, he does miss chattering away to Minho about anything and everything, but he can't help but remember all his daddies' faces from yesterday, how tired and annoyed they'd looked when he'd barely said a few words. Is that how they'd looked at him all the time, and he just couldn't see?

He's surprised when the door creaks open and quickly, Jisung closes his eyes. Already from the light footsteps, he can tell it's not Minho. The door closes very quietly with a click, and the mystery person creeps in. Jisung does his best to keep his eyes shut.

"Sungie?" Seungmin's wobbly voice is barely more than a whisper, but Jisung can hear the anguish as he speaks. "Are you awake?"

Jisung contemplates answering. It's not uncommon for him and Seungmin to try and skip their naptimes together, and the two of them often scheme to pull an all-nighter in their littlespaces (it never works - either they're caught first or the two of them fall asleep). Plus, there's never been any secrets between the two of them, both little or big - to stay quiet would be purposefully misleading Seungmin.

At the same time, however, Jisung doesn't know where he and Seungmin stand anymore. The latter had seemed so angry before that Jisung was little, so was he still angry about the painting? But then why did Seungmin sound so hurt?

A sniffle from Seungmin has Jisung almost blowing his cover, but he masks it by turning his head.

"I'm sorry, Sungie. I'm really sorry. Y-you're not bossy or mean or annoying." Seungmin's breath hitches. "I didn't mean any of that, I promise. W-was angry at you, but I don't even care about the stupid picture anymore."

If Jisung's eyes were open, they'd be wide as saucers. Their daddies did not like the word 'stupid' at all.

"If you talk again, I'll teach you how to paint like me too. O-or you can paint krakens on my other pictures too - I promise I think they're really cool! Anything just...please come back. I miss you."

Seungmin sounds so small, so helpless, Jisung almost rolls over to hug him, but then the door creaks open again.

"Seungmin," Chan scolds, only to soften when he hears little sobs. "Come here, buddy. It's okay. I know, it's hard."

Jisung cracks his eye open just slightly to see Chan knelt in-front of Seungmin, gently rubbing his back. After a few moments, Chan stands up with a grimace, his eyes swivelling over to Jisung, who squeezes his eyes shut just in time.

"Let's go, honey. You can see him later," Jisung hears Chan mutter.

A familiar hand strokes over Jisung's shoulder before the room is bare once more, leaving him alone. Seungmin's touch was warm, yet desperate.

The apology replays in Jisung's mind over and over again. 'You're not bossy or mean or annoying'...the last word is one Jisung knows well. He's always self-conscious of coming across as annoying, as it's something he's been criticised for in the past. The thought of the people he loved most thinking of him in such a way makes him feel sick.

But Seungmin has just admitted that he didn't think it was true, that he was just angry. He admitted that, not knowing if Jisung was awake or asleep. So surely, he must have meant it.

And offering to let Jisung essentially ruin his other paintings too...Seungmin must be full of so much regret.

None of that takes away what happened yesterday. How drained and isolated and unwanted Jisung felt. It was beyond hurtful to be singled out, for Seungmin and Kai to treat him like that.

But a lot of Jisung's anger lies with his daddies on that front. They should have gotten involved, shouldn't have brushed Jisung off when he told them that Seungmin was being mean.

It's not long until the door opens again. This time, Minho slips in. Jisung doesn't pretend to be asleep this time.

"Hey baby," Minho says warmly, turning a lamp on. "Did you have a nice sleep?"

Jisung is silent, and Minho frowns. But Jisung decides he's done being quiet.

"Appa," Jisung mumbles, and Minho's breath hitches. It's the first word he's heard from Jisung all day. "Do you find me annoying?"

The question takes Minho by surprise. "I...what?" He's stunned, frozen in time, just staring at Jisung.

"You don't get mad at Innie for being loud all the time. And you didn't listen to me when I said Minnie and Kai were being mean. A-an' you didn't wanna talk to me yesterday," Jisung chokes out.

Minho gasps, immediately pulling Jisung into his arms. He holds Jisung in-front of him, looking into his eyes. "I...Sungie. Of course I don't find you annoying. What happened yesterday was a mistake but..."

Oh, but they'd all made mistakes, and poor Jisung had paid for every single one. Minho forgetting to shake him awake because he'd been so focused on breakfast; Hyunjin having not slept so he took it out on Jisung; Chan ignoring Jisung's side of the story because he was so shocked that he'd pushed Felix over, Changbin not even letting him apologise because he'd thought Jisung was just being a brat.

And Jisung's so right. They had brushed him off when he'd complained about Seungmin and Kai leaving him out, because they thought Jisung could deal with it, that he was just complaining because he was in a bad mood. It was so unfair, and Minho understands now. They'd made Jisung feel as if he didn't matter at all.

He exhales deeply, thinking of the right words to say. Jisung, the angel that he is, waits patiently. Then, Minho speaks.

"I'm sorry, Sungie. All of us have been stressed about the album and...there's no excuse, but, my mind's been elsewhere these past few days. I haven't been able to relax or sleep very well." Minho swallows, his eyes drifting down in shame. "You're not annoying, you're the furthest thing from it. And I'm so sorry I made you feel that way."

Jisung swallows. "Wasn't just you..."

Minho sits down on his bed and sits Jisung in his lap, with the little's legs either side of his. Jisung feels awfully vulnerable, so close to his appa's face, but Minho holds his chin so he can't look away.

"You're right, I didn't take you seriously when you told us about Minnie and Kai, and that was a big mistake on my part. On all of our parts." Minho's voice is so soft, almost a whisper. "And you're such a good boy for telling us what was wrong. If we'd have dealt with it, you probably wouldn't have pushed Felix."

Jisung whimpers, thoughts of Felix's heartbroken little face invading his mind, but Minho is quick to ground him, kissing his knuckles gently. "No, angel, I'm not telling you that to make you feel bad. You felt like nobody was listening to you, that nobody cared about Sungie's feelings. We were just picking at everything, telling you to go and play with Minnie and Kai when they weren't being very nice, instead of letting you talk."

Minho sniffles at that, and Jisung is taken aback by the tears threatening to spill from his appa's eyes. "I'm sorry that I didn't listen, that you felt the only solution was to run away." And then, he wraps his arms around Jisung and buries his face in his soft hair.

Hesitantly, Jisung hugs Minho back, and soon he feels like his whole body has been wrapped in a warm, safe cocoon. It lasts for a while, silence overtaking the room once again, but this time, it's not the bad kind of silence.

It's...peaceful. Their hug is all they need to communicate. The lonely, dark void which Jisung had fell into is collapsing in on itself. He hugs Minho tighter, breathing him in, eyes closed, and it's as if Minho is right there, pulling him out of the collapsing void, saving him.

When they're done, Minho smiles, his eyes shining.

Jisung looks at his appa. He doesn't tell Minho outright that he's forgiven him, but he doesn't need to. A few words won't change anything - it's the actions that matter.

Minho carries Jisung to the living room and settles him down on the ground, asking him for permission to take his other daddies aside for a few moments for a 'grown-up' chat. Jisung nods.

As the caregivers all talk quietly, Jisung shuffles over to Felix, who is playing with his blocks.

"Lixie?"

Felix, Jeongin and Seungmin look at Jisung with their jaws dropped, with Jeongin's pacifier falling onto the carpet. Then, Felix asks: "Can you talk now?"

Jisung giggles. "Yeah, Lix, I can talk now. I wanna say sorry for pushing you yesterday," he tells the other little seriously.

Felix nods. "It's okay, Sungie. I fell in the sandbox anyway," he grins.

Jisung sighs. "I know, but it still wasn't nice. You didn't do anything wrong. Thank you for forgiving me," he smiles, and gives Felix a hug, which his brother returns happily.

Seungmin watches the interaction while biting his lip, clearly still very stressed about the situation. As soon as Jisung and Felix pull away from each other, he starts talking.

"I'm really sorry, Jisungie, and I know I'm the worst brother ever, but-"

"Minnie, stop." Jisung's voice is firm, and Seungmin stops straight away, surprised that Jisung is clearly in 'big brother mode'. "You already said sorry."

A look of realisation spreads across Seungmin's face, before his cheeks burn pink with embarrassment. "O-oh, I didn't know if you were really listening."

Jisung grins. "Usually, you can tell straight away if I'm faking being asleep or not. What happened?"

Seungmin gasps. "W-well, you've never been really little before, so I couldn't tell - ugh. It doesn't even matter. I...I guess it's good that you heard the apology because...because I really meant it," he mumbles.

Nearly everyone in the room, even the daddies who were supposed to be talking amongst themselves, is shocked when Jisung wraps Seungmin in a hug, resting his head on his shoulder. He speaks quietly, so only Seungmin can hear him.

"I think it'd be really cool if you taught me how to paint like you, Minnie. You're so amazing. And I'm sorry for ruining your painting."

Seungmin swallows. "The painting doesn't matter-"

"No, it does," Jisung murmurs. "I had no right to paint over it and I understand why you were upset. I can't paint or draw very well but...your painting was really pretty. I hope you paint more."

A trembling laugh escapes from Seungmin as he hugs Jisung back. The sound of a picture being taken on someone's phone along with Chan's unmistakeable cooing can be heard, but Jisung doesn't mind.

Each of his daddies hold him for a long time, snuggling Jisung until he's snatched by another daddy. They chat with him about anything he wants, crooning at him when he's shy and tickling underneath his chin. He eventually falls asleep in Minho's lap, but before he's carried to their room, he sees Seungmin stood in-front of Hyunjin, clearly pleading with him about something.

He doesn't linger on it for too long, his mind cloudy and yet so calm. Minho helps him get ready for bed, and the two of them fall asleep next to each other, Minho's arms wrapped around Jisung like wings.

When Jisung's eyes flutter open the next morning, a piece of paper next to his pillow catches his eye. Minho is still sound asleep next to him, so he sits up as quietly as he can, picking the paper up and turning it over, blinking a few times to see what's in-front of him properly.

It's...him. Well, a painting of him.

Jisung’s smiling in the painting, his big, brown eyes crinkled with happiness. Almost straight away, he can tell that the artwork is Hyunjin's. He's seen the style many times in his daddy's paintings.

Drawn just above his shoulder is a big, fluffy bumblebee. In the sky, written in cursive, in what is undoubtedly Seungmin's handwriting, it says: 'For Jisung: The Bee-est Big Brother in the World'.